OTTAWA – Canada's leadership in hydrogen and fuel cell
technologies received double honours today at the 20th annual World
Energy Congress in Rome. The International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy
(IPHE) has
chosen British Columbia's Hydrogen Highway™ program as the winner of the
Technical Achievement Award, and the organization has elected Canada as its new
chair.
The IPHE's Technical Achievement award was accepted by the Honourable Richard
Neufeld, British Columbia's Minister of Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources,
and Cassie Doyle, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) on behalf
of the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources.
"The Government of Canada is proud to be recognized on the world stage for
our work on the BC Hydrogen Highway," said Minister Lunn. "Canada is doing what
it takes to be a world leader in the fight against climate change and in the
development of clean energy. The development of Hydrogen fuel cell technologies
is part of our balanced plan aimed at reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and
air pollutants and encouraging our economic growth."
"This award recognizes the collaborative work of our government and industry
to advance British Columbia's vision of hydrogen and fuel cell leadership and
build on our world reputation in fuel cell technologies," said Minister Neufeld.
"The Hydrogen Highway addresses climate change and creates opportunities in the
research, development and deployment of innovative energy solutions."The
IPHE also recently elected Canada as its new chair. Graham Campbell, Director
General of NRCan's Office of Energy Research and Development, and Sara Filbee,
Director General of the Resource Processing Industries Branch, Industry Canada,
will serve a two-year tenure co-chairing the IPHE.
"Recognized throughout the world for its expertise in developing hydrogen and
fuel cell technology, Canada is well positioned to chair IPHE and contribute to
the development of these clean, secure and reliable energy technologies," said
the Honourable Jim Prentice, Minister of Industry. "Through Canada's Science and
Technology Strategy, the government will continue to support Canadian
researchers and innovators in developing new ideas and bringing them to the
marketplace."
The Government of Canada has supported the Hydrogen Highway from its
inception through the $33-million Canadian Transportation Fuel Cell Alliance
(CTFCA), managed by NRCan and other departments and agencies, including Industry
Canada's Hydrogen Early Adopters Program and the National Research Council of
Canada's Institute for Fuel Cell Innovation.
B.C. is investing $89 million in North America's first fleet of 20 hydrogen
fuel cell buses and refuelling infrastructure from Victoria to Whistler by 2010
through a federal-provincial partnership. The Hydrogen Highway will eventually
evolve into a north-south hydrogen highway to California, U.S.A.
British Columbia's Hydrogen Highway is a coordinated demonstration,
deployment and market development program that enables participants to evaluate,
improve and refine the performance of hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. The
Hydrogen Highway is a showcase for hydrogen and fuel cell research applications
and market deployment. It functions as a microcosm of the hydrogen economy, both
on the road and in stationary applications.
FOR BROADCAST USE:
Canada received a prestigious international award today in Rome for its
innovative hydrogen and fuel cell technologies. B.C.'s Hydrogen Highway,
supported by Natural Resources Canada and other government departments, was
chosen as the winner of this year's Technical Achievement Award by the
International Partnership for the Hydrogen Economy, which has also elected
Canada to serve as its new chair.
Media may contact:
Louise Girouard Director of Communications Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada Ottawa 613-996-2007
Alison SettonManagerHydrogen Highway & Vancouver Fuel Cell
Vehicle programs604-827-5748mailto:XXX@h2fcc.ca
Jake JacobsPublic Affairs Officer Ministry of Energy, Mines and
Petroleum Resources250 952-0628 office250 213-6934 cell Jake.Jacobs@gov.bc.ca
The general public may contact:
Mon-Fri, 8:30-4:30 EDTTelephone: 613-995-0947TTY:
613-996-4397(teletype for the hearing-impaired) E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
The following media backgrounder is available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media:
Canada's
Leadership in Hydrogen Technology Honoured at World Energy Congress
NRCan's news
releases and backgrounders are available at www.nrcan.gc.ca/media.
